Maps: Handpicked Milan
Milan may not be Italy's most beautiful city, but it sure is the sexiest. It's where fashion, culture and business collide, to create a city that is buzzing, full of energy and exciting places to discover around every corner. Here is my Top 10.
If you're on a smartphone and have Google Maps installed, click on the top right 'full screen' icon to open the map in the app
1. Fonderie Milanesi - Bar/Restaurant
Via Giovenale, 7
http://www.fonderiemilanesi.it
For an aperitivo or just a drink, head to Fonerie Milanesi. An old car garage that is now a very, very trendy, multipurpose space. Their aperitivo buffet resembles a small Christmas dinner. I hear they also do brunch. Officina and Al Cortile also occupy the same area, so you can easily do aperitivo/dinner/drinks without having to leave.
2. Caffe Napoli Exytus - Coffee
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 14
http://caffenapoli.com
A place called Napoli in Milan? It doesn't matter. For an authentic, Italian coffee experience, this is the place. Have an espresso standing up at the bar. Choose one of the sweet variations from the menu and turn your coffee into dessert. You can find it all over town, but the one on Corso di Porta Ticinese is my preferred one for a little pick me up while visiting the nearby shops.
3. Fondazione Prada - Art
Largo Isarco, 2
http://www.fondazioneprada.org/
Groundbreaking art, stunning architecture, and a Wes Anderson designed café.
4. Panzerotti Luini - Food
Via Santa Radegonda, 16
A Milanese insitution. It's like a pizza in sandwich. It might not make sense now, but it will once you try it.
5. Cioccolati Italiani - Food
Via S. Raffaele, 4
www.cioccolatitaliani.it/
An ice cream lover's paradise. Ice cream in cones. Ice cream in brioche buns. Running taps of endless chocolate.
6. Tempio del Futuro Perduto - Club
Via Luigi Nono, 9, 20154
https://www.facebook.com/tempiodelfuturoperduto/
A cultural space that transforms into a quality electronic music venue on weekends, and will keep you up until the early hours of the morning. The space is an abandoned tram service station, and comes with a big garden and frequent exhibitions and installations. There might be queues for big weekend events, and they sometimes turn people away (only if you’re annoying), so try to go early to avoid disappointment.
7. Dry - Bar/Restaurant
Via Solferino, 33
http://www.drymilano.it
Damn good pizzas, fine cocktails, hip clientelle and an electronic music soundtrack.
8. Trattoria Madonnina - Traditional Restaurant
Via Gentilino, 6, 20136
Local, homemade food, with a great atmosphere. The portions are the size of your head. Make sure you book if you plan on coming at night, just in case.
9. Pavé - Café/Restaurant
Via Felice Casati, 27
https://www.pavemilano.com/en/
The best cappuccino I've had in my life, the yellowest (and that's a good thing) brioche I've had in my life, and sweets to die for.
10. Corso Como - Shopping
Corso Como, 10
http://www.10corsocomo.com
The world's very first concept store, 10 Corso Como is housed in a beautiful building and hosts everything, from a bookshop and a gallery to a café and restaurant.
11. Pirelli HangarBicocca - Art
Via Chiese, 2
http://www.hangarbicocca.org
For an alternative hit of contemporary art that's truly off the beaten path, Pirelli HangarBicocca does not disappoint. Entrance is free, as it's a non-profit foundation, and the exhibits are strange, wonderful and, in some cases, truly impressive. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am - 10pm
12. Carlo e Camilla in Segheria - Restaurant
Via Giuseppe Meda, 24, 20141
https://www.carloecamillainsegheria.it/
A creative menu in an industrial setting, with long, shared tables (you’ll still have your privacy, don’t worry). Worth a visit if you’re in town and you like taking photos of your food as much as you like eating it.
13. Ratanà - Restaurant
Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28, 20124
https://www.ratana.it/
Can’t decide between modern and traditional? Go here. Ratanà looks a lot more upscale in photos than it is in real life, so don’t be intimidated. It’s also a great spot for lunch on a sunny day. If you go for dinner, you can combine with drinks in Isola. Their ossobuco is always on the menu, and it' is to die for.
14. Trattoria Bolognese da Mauro - Traditional Restaurant
Via Elia Lombardini, 14, 20143
If friendly force-feeding was a thing, this would be it. This is one of the few places where the waiters will tell you that you’ve ordered too much, and they’ll be right. Their pasta is from another planet and the portions are massive. You will probably have a food coma after leaving da Mauro, but you’ll already be planning when to go back to try the secondi you cancelled.
